The State

In the wake of the mutilations of nine sea gulls and three pelicans in the Half Moon Bay area, the Peninsula Humane Society has donated more than $5,000 to help catch those responsible for the attacks. During the last few weeks, officials said, the sea birds have been found on the beach with their beaks chopped off. Because the beakless birds cannot eat or drink, they have been destroyed to spare them from starving to death, officials said.